Without monks, western society would not be what it is. Their constant practice of physical labor changed the views of the common citizen from perceiving physical labor as a job for slaves into a manly and rewarding job, fit for the best. The monks’ famous practice of repairing religious and secular documents into beautiful readable condition contributed greatly to the preservation and advancement of European society’s knowledge base. Members of religious orders were actually the most learned people of their time. Their devotion to knowledge led to the construction of many schools. Huge leaps and bounds in agricultural and technological discoveries allowed them to live independently, which in turn saved much of their technology even while kingdoms fell and rose around them. They even practiced metallurgy, nearly an unheard of practice in their time. But for monks, the fall of Rome would’ve knocked out all of our wifi because no technology would have been saved from the dark ages and beyond. Continue reading →

What was the Augustan Settlement? How did Augustus balance his perceived need for absolute power with his concern to lend the impression that the republic had been restored and the old ways?

Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, more commonly known as Augustus, knew that he could not obviously seize all the power of the Roman Empire but he knew deep down that all control by one man was desperately needed or the united nation of Rome would disintegrate. In 27 BC he made as if to return his powers to the Roman Senate. However, they rejected the powers because they knew that he would probably rule with greater care and kindness than other men who would take his place. Augustus insisted but so did the Senate. The council finally sealed the deal by throwing in the title of “Augustus” (revered one) and many other honors to complete the package. In his false modesty, he accepted but refused to be known as holy. Instead he was called Princeps (first citizen) during his life. The other honors included total military control, Imperium miaus (power to command), and tribunica protesta (ultimate veto power). By 23 BC he had become Tribune for life. He had played his cards right. Continue reading →